Matthew 27:48
And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δραμὼν
ran
G5143
δραμὼν
ran
Strong's:
G5143
Word #:
3 of 17
which uses ????? <pronunciation strongs="drem'-o"/> (the base of g1408) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figurativ
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
5 of 17
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πλήσας
filled
G4130
πλήσας
filled
Strong's:
G4130
Word #:
10 of 17
to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καλάμῳ
a reed
G2563
καλάμῳ
a reed
Strong's:
G2563
Word #:
15 of 17
a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant); by implication, a pen
Cross References
Historical Context
Roman crucifixion often lasted days. Offering sour wine could either prolong suffering by reviving the victim, or provide minimal mercy. The timing—just before Jesus' death—and the prophetic fulfillment make this act significant beyond simple humanitarian gesture. Hyssop also featured in purification rituals (Leviticus 14:4, Numbers 19:6).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the hyssop connection reveal Christ as both Passover Lamb and purification sacrifice?
- What does this fulfilled prophecy teach about God's sovereignty over even the smallest details of redemption?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
One of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar (ὄξος)—this fulfills Psalm 69:21, 'in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.' The Greek oxos refers to posca, the sour wine Roman soldiers drank. The gesture appears merciful—offering drink to the dying—yet Matthew presents it as part of the mockery.
Put it on a reed (κάλαμον)—likely a hyssop branch (John 19:29), connecting Christ's death to the Passover lamb whose blood was applied with hyssop (Exodus 12:22). Jesus, the ultimate Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), receives his final earthly drink through the same plant that marked Hebrew doorposts for deliverance from death.